Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They can address discolouration, chips, gaps, uneven alignment, and worn or misshapen teeth, creating a natural-looking, uniform smile.
Here at Pitt Street Dental Centre in Sydney CBD, Dr Michael Cai, one of the most sought-after celebrity dentists in Australia, has placed over 36,000 porcelain veneers. Each veneer is handcrafted by a skilled local ceramist and custom-matched to your facial proportions, lip line, and skin tone.
Our team of highly experienced cosmetic dentists use digital smile design to plan the result before any preparation begins, so you can see and approve the outcome in advance.
Porcelain veneers typically require two appointments over two to three weeks from preparation to final bonding.
Porcelain Veneers Planned Around Your Smile
You have looked at your smile thousands of times and always noticed the same things. The chip from years ago that was never properly fixed. The colour that whitening could not quite reach. The one tooth that sits just slightly out of line and draws your eye every time you see a photo.
It is not that your teeth are bad. It is that they are not quite what you want them to be. And once you notice it, you cannot un-notice it.
Veneers are not about creating a smile that does not look like yours. They are about refining the smile you have so it looks the way you have always wanted it to. Here at Pitt Street Dental Centre, Dr Michael Cai has been designing and placing veneers for over 18 years, and his approach is grounded in subtlety, precision, and a deep understanding of what makes a smile look natural.
What Are Dental Veneers and How Do They Work?
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite material that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Think of it as a precision-crafted facing that covers the visible part of the tooth, changing its colour, shape, size, or alignment without altering the underlying structure more than necessary.
Porcelain veneers are the most commonly chosen option here at Pitt Street Dental Centre. They are crafted from dental-grade ceramic by a skilled local ceramist, and they replicate the translucency and light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. Once bonded, they are stain-resistant and durable, typically lasting 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
Composite veneers are an alternative where the material is applied directly to the tooth and sculpted by hand in a single appointment. They are a more affordable option and can achieve good cosmetic results, though they are generally not as long-lasting or stain-resistant as porcelain.
The amount of tooth preparation required depends on the type of veneer and the starting position of your teeth. In some cases, minimal preparation or even no-prep veneers are possible. Dr Cai will discuss this with you during your consultation, always with the goal of preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
With over 36,000 porcelain veneers placed, Dr Cai’s experience extends across virtually every clinical scenario, from single-tooth refinements to full smile transformations involving 10 or more veneers.
How Do I Know If Dental Veneers Are Right for Me?
Veneers may be worth discussing if any of these sound familiar:
“My teeth are stained or discoloured and whitening has not achieved the result I want”
“I have a chipped or slightly broken tooth that I have been self-conscious about”
“There are small gaps between my front teeth that I would like to close”
“One or two of my teeth are slightly crooked or out of alignment but I do not want braces”
“My teeth are worn down from grinding or ageing and they look shorter than they used to”
“I want a more uniform, polished smile but I want it to look natural, not overdone”
Veneers are a cosmetic solution, not a structural one. If your teeth have significant decay, extensive damage, or alignment issues that affect your bite, Dr Cai may recommend other treatments first or instead. He will always give you an honest assessment of what veneers can and cannot achieve for your specific situation.
What Does the Dental Veneers Process Look Like at Pitt Street Dental Centre?
01
Consultation and Smile Design (60 minutes)
Your first appointment is part clinical assessment, part creative conversation. Dr Cai examines your teeth, takes digital scans and photographs, and discusses what you want to change. Using digital smile design technology, we create a preview of how your veneers will look before any tooth preparation begins. You see the result on screen and have the opportunity to provide feedback and make adjustments.
02
Preparation and Impressions (90 minutes)
Once you approve the design, Dr Cai prepares your teeth. This involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the front surface, typically 0.3 to 0.7 millimetres, to make room for the veneer. Impressions are taken and sent to our local ceramist, who handcrafts each veneer individually. We fit temporary veneers so you leave looking and feeling great while the permanent ones are being made.
03
Bonding Day (90 to 120 minutes)
Your porcelain veneers arrive from the ceramist, and Dr Cai checks each one for colour, shape, and fit before bonding. Each veneer is individually bonded to the tooth surface using a light-activated dental adhesive. The result is immediate. You walk out with a transformed smile.
04
Follow-Up (30 minutes)
We schedule a follow-up appointment to check the bonding, your bite, and how everything feels. Any minor adjustments are made at this visit. From here, your veneers are part of your regular dental care routine.
Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Veneers vs Teeth Whitening: Comparing Your Options
Porcelain Veneers ✓
Composite Veneers
Teeth Whitening
Material
MaterialDental-grade ceramic
MaterialComposite resin
MaterialBleaching agent
Appointments
AppointmentsTwo (preparation + bonding)
AppointmentsOne (direct application)
AppointmentsOne to two
Longevity
Longevity10 to 15+ years
Longevity5 to 7 years
Longevity6 to 12 months (touch-ups needed)
Stain resistance
Stain resistanceHigh
Stain resistanceModerate
Stain resistanceN/A (colour fades over time)
Can change tooth shape
Can change tooth shapeYes
Can change tooth shapeYes
Can change tooth shapeNo
Can close gaps
Can close gapsYes
Can close gapsYes
Can close gapsNo
Can correct alignment
Can correct alignmentMinor alignment, yes
Can correct alignmentMinor alignment, yes
Can correct alignmentNo
Tooth preparation
Tooth preparationThin layer of enamel removed
Tooth preparationMinimal to none
Tooth preparationNone
Best for
Best forcomplete smile transformation, long-lasting results
Best forSingle-tooth fixes, budget-conscious patients
Best forColour improvement only
Dr Cai will recommend the best approach based on what you want to achieve.
What Are the Risks of Dental Veneers? What Should I Know?
Dental veneers are a well-established cosmetic treatment. The risks are minimal compared to surgical procedures, but we believe in being transparent about every aspect of the process.
Things to be aware of:
- Tooth preparation is irreversible. Once enamel is removed for porcelain veneers, the tooth will always require a veneer or crown covering
- Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold after preparation, which typically settles within one to two weeks
- Veneer chipping or fracture is possible, particularly if you grind your teeth (bruxism). We may recommend a night guard to protect your investment
- Colour mismatch over time if natural teeth surrounding the veneers change shade. Maintaining whitening consistency helps prevent this
- Veneers do not prevent decay. The underlying tooth still needs proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups
After your veneers are placed:
- No recovery time required. You can resume normal activities immediately
- Avoid biting directly into very hard foods (ice, hard nuts, bone) to protect the porcelain
- Maintain regular brushing, flossing, and six-monthly check-ups
- If you grind your teeth, wear the night guard Dr Cai provides
- Avoid using your teeth as tools (opening packaging, biting nails)
- Your veneers will maintain their colour and will not stain like natural teeth, but the natural teeth around them can, so consistent oral care matters
Transparent pricing, no surprises
We publish our complete price list so you can review veneer costs, compare options, and make an informed decision before your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
How much do dental veneers cost in Sydney CBD?
The cost per veneer depends on the material (porcelain or composite) and the complexity of the case. We publish a full price list that you can download from this page. After your consultation, Dr Cai will provide a detailed written quote based on the number of veneers and the design plan. Payment plans are available.
Do veneers look natural?
When crafted well, absolutely. Dr Cai works with a skilled local ceramist who handcrafts each veneer to match the translucency, surface texture, and subtle colour variations of natural teeth. The goal is always a result that looks like a refined version of your natural smile, not a row of identical white tiles. With 36,000+ porcelain veneers placed, Dr Cai has the experience to achieve natural, individual results.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, and many last longer. Their longevity depends on your oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you protect them from excessive force. We may recommend a custom night guard if bruxism is a concern.
Can I get veneers if my teeth are crooked?
Veneers can address minor alignment issues. If your teeth are significantly crooked, Dr Cai may recommend Invisalign first to move them into the ideal position, and then veneers to refine the final cosmetic result. This combination approach delivers the best long-term outcome.
Will I need to whiten my other teeth first?
If you are getting veneers on your front teeth, the porcelain colour will be set to match or slightly enhance your natural shade. If you want a whiter overall smile, it is best to whiten your natural teeth first, then match the veneers to that shade. Dr Cai will coordinate the timing during your treatment plan.
Payment Plans
Why Choose Pitt Street Dental Centre for Dental Veneers in Sydney?
36,000+ porcelain veneers placed
Dr Michael Cai is one of the most experienced cosmetic dentists in Australia by case volume. That experience is evident in the consistency, precision, and natural-looking quality of every result.
Local ceramist collaboration
We do not send impressions to an offshore lab. Every veneer is handcrafted by a skilled local ceramist who Dr Cai has worked with for years. This close collaboration allows for real-time adjustments and a level of customisation that mass-produced veneers simply cannot match.
Digital smile design before you commit
Before any tooth preparation begins, you see a digital preview of how your veneers will look. You can provide feedback, request adjustments, and approve the design. No guesswork, no surprises.
An environment designed for the appointment
A veneers appointment should feel like a premium experience, not a clinical procedure. Our Sydney CBD practice offers dimmed lighting, aromatherapy, a complimentary beverage menu, Netflix on the ceiling, and noise-cancelling headsets. We want the appointment to match the result.
Honest cosmetic advice
Not every patient needs veneers, and not every tooth needs one. Dr Cai will tell you if whitening, bonding, or orthodontics would achieve a better result for your situation. You will always receive an honest assessment before any cosmetic work begins.
INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION
Author Attribution:
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Cai, BDSc (Hons) WA MRACDS (GDP) – July 2026
Medical Disclaimer:
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment outcomes vary between individuals. All surgical procedures carry risks. Please consult Dr Michael Cai or one of our qualified dentists at Pitt Street Dental Centre for personalised advice about your dental health.
